Substance Use and Abuse

High-risk drinking, defined as 5 or more drinks in one sitting for males and 4 or more for females, is a major public health problem on college campuses. There are many misconceptions regarding the extent of the problem, which can contribute to the abuse of alcohol.

At Santa Clara University, more than 60% of undergraduates report drinking 4 or fewer drinks when they party and more than 25% of undergraduates abstain from alcohol use altogether. If you are drinking 5 or more drinks when you party, you may be at high risk for acquaintance rape, physical injuries, DUI charges, and depression, to name a few of the consequences.

Look at the following questions to help you determine if you need assistance in reducing abuse of alcohol.

Do you drink to get drunk?

Do you use alcohol to cope with problems or difficult situations?

Do you feel guilty about your drinking?

When you plan not to get drunk, do you end up intoxicated anyway?

Do you act differently when drinking alcohol than you usually do?

Do you ever "blackout" (lose your memory for a period of time) when you are drinking?

Do you drink to feel normal?

Do you drink alone or with strangers?

Do you gulp drinks or switch to more "potent" ones to get the effect more quickly?

Do you get annoyed when others comment on how much you drink?

Are you uncomfortable when alcohol is not available?

Do you think it's cool or sophisticated to "hold your liquor" or to "drink your friends under the table"?

Do you drink to regulate the highs and lows from other drugs?

Do you hide how much you drink from others?

If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, then you may have a developing or existing problem with alcohol.

Impact of Alcohol Consumption/Alcohol Abuse on the Body

Alcohol is a depressant to the central nervous system.

Brain: cells can become altered and may die with long term abuse

Heart: increase in blood pressure, heart muscle can deteriorate

Immune system: lowers ability to fight infections

Reproductive system: affects hormone levels, can lead to birth defects such as metal retardation

Liver: most affected since this is were alcohol is broken down. Fat build up can lead to scarring. Cirrhosis of the liver occurs when liver cells die. Approximately 14,000 alcoholics die every year from cirrhosis.